Post by High Priestess on Dec 4, 2016 1:43:02 GMT

Dozens of listings are posted throughout Sarasota County, but not all are paying local taxes associated with rentals. Earlier this year, Airbnb told the tax collector's office they would help gather those tourism development dollars from their renters, but now wish to avoid one aspect of state law.

"They did not want to give us the names and address of the host, and Florida law requires that we have that information, that we track that," says Sarasota County assistant tax collector Sherri Smith.

Here is an issue of privacy is involved in conjunction with city enforcement efforts. I am interested to see how this will play out. Will Airbnb continue to insist on protecting user privacy, or will the company capitulate to the city's demands, and violate user privacy? How will either result effect other municipalities? Stay tuned and find out!